Today, it is rare to see children rolling off grassy slopes or climbing trees for fun.

Security concerns have led us to eliminate rides and swings. But while our children's lives are increasingly "virtual" and revolve around the screens of TVs, smartphones and computers, teachers notice a decrease in attention and doctors report an alarming increase in emotional and sensory disturbances. So, how can we ensure that our children are fully involved in their mind, body and all senses?

In "Play in the open air!" Angela Hanscom - pediatric occupational therapist and founder of TimberNook - sheds light on the silent epidemic that plagues modern children, explains why outdoor movement and free play are vital to our children's cognitive and physical development, and even offers fun strategies. and engaging that help them transform into healthy, balanced and resilient adults. The author believes that playing outdoors is an essential component of prevention and treatment, a necessary element for a truly balanced childhood.

Too many children today have lost the full sensory richness that would be offered to them outside the four walls of a classroom or home. Some reasonable risk, independent and imaginative play are essential, not only for physical health, but for the development of the child's mental autonomy. For many families or teachers, taking children outdoors is not as simple as it may seem. Fear of strangers, urban poverty, inaccessibility to parks and the dominance of electronics represent, along with other things, obstacles that are all too real.

This book offers a lot of advice on how parents and teachers can overcome similar barriers in the areas of health, education and building suitable environments for play. "Play in the open air!" it will therefore be useful not only to parents, but also to professionals in the children's sector and also useful to architects and designers of play areas to ensure a peaceful and positive environment for the growth of our children.

Author: Angela J. Hanscom

Author: Angela J. Hanscom is a pediatric ergotherapist and founder of TimberNook - a developmental program based on contact with nature, which has won awards and accolades and has become internationally famous.